BHB awards $190,000 in scholarships

Monday 29 July 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board is pleased to announce it has awarded a total of $190,000 in scholarships to 12 local students.

In a ceremony on Tuesday 16 July, the students were presented certificates of their awards in front of their families and BHB leaders.

Ryan Topple, a medical student, received the top award – the GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship of $20,000 for two years.

The other 11 students each received a BHB general scholarship in their speciality area, valued up to $15,000 for one year. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution approved by a relevant licensing council and maintain at least a 3.0 or equivalent grade point average.

Six of the general scholarship recipients are medical students and received BHB Medicine Scholarships. Nia Dailey, Storm Gibbons, Keesha Roberts and Veronica-Swan-DeGraff were each awarded $15,000, while Jahmir Celestine and J’hordon Emery received $10,000 each.

Studying physiotherapy, Tre Outerbridge received the 2024 BHB Allied Health Scholarship of $15,000. Kyra Butterfield was awarded a $15,000 BHB Psychology Scholarship.

BHB Nursing Scholarships of $15,000 were awarded to Alaiyah Hayward and Izeya Wainwright, while nursing student Sarae Botelho received $10,000.

“We had outstanding submissions from each of our 12 recipients in their applications for these scholarships,” said BHB Vice President of People Angela Fraser-Pitcher. “As the head of human resources, I urge our students to learn all they can and return to BHB to share their expertise. We wish them well.”

BHB CEO & President Scott Pearman said: “BHB is proud to assist these 12 deserving students. The health sector represents tremendous opportunity for immediate and future job growth, and we are pleased to support the current cohort of scholarship recipients in realising their dream of becoming healthcare professionals.

“BHB can offer immediate employment and guarantee employment over the next five years to newly qualified registered nurses with demonstrated competencies. Few employers and professions can provide such guarantees.

“Fuelled by an aging population and high rates of chronic disease, the demand for a broad cross section of healthcare professionals ensures that compassionate and highly capable students can secure a career in health.

“Health sector employment is open to traditional students matriculating from high school to college and mature students seeking a second career. Anchored by programmes offered locally at the Bermuda College, there are great educational options for those that cannot relocate overseas.

“For students who pursue their education overseas, we look forward to them eventually returning home to fulfil their commitment to our community.

“I thank the scholarship recipients for investing in themselves to serve the future needs of our community by taking care of Bermuda.”

Student biographies

Ryan Topple

College/University: University of Warwick, UK

“Having graduated with my honours degree in medical sciences from Dalhousie University, I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Warwick in the UK in September,” says Ryan.

He works as an advanced EMT at BHB during his university breaks and says he is thankful for the support of his mentors and colleagues in the Emergency Department.

“Over the next few years, I plan on exploring different medical and surgical specialties,” he adds. “I look forward to eventually returning to Bermuda as a doctor at KEMH.”

Nia Daley

College/University: Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK

“I am interested in pursuing a career in dermatology or general surgery,” says Nia. “I hope to make meaningful contributions towards equitable health by utilising public health in my career.

“My passion for community involvement and representation drives my goals of working with underserved populations both locally and globally.”

Storm Gibbons

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

“As a future physician with a profound interest in psychiatry, it is my goal to provide well-rounded care to patients, with a focus on addressing their mental health needs comprehensively,” says Storm.

“I look forward to staying informed on the latest advancements in medicine, continually honing my skills to offer the highest standard of treatment.

“I aspire to be a doctor who not only excels in clinical practice but advocates for accessible and intersectional treatment within our community.”

Keesha Roberts

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Keesha says: “I want to become a world-renowned physician who is going to shift the paradigm of how health is managed and afforded, firstly in my society and then the world around it.

“I have seen how the rising costs of healthcare have had a massively negative impact on our community and I cannot wait to be a part of a system that wants to change this. If education is a right, why is equal access to healthcare a privilege? A question I want to work towards abolishing.”

Veronica Swan-DeGraff

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Veronica says: “I have a passion for public health and advocating for young people through my work in the community as a student clinical coordinator for the Daily Male Health Clinic and through my organisation Bermuda Youth Connect.

“As a first-year medical student, I am very keen on specialising in emergency medicine, however, I am open to exploring what other specialties have to offer.”

Jahmir Celestine

ge/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Jahmir says: “My career aspirations are deeply rooted in earning the ‘Doctor’ title and making a meaningful impact on my community. Becoming a doctor is very meaningful to me because it allows me to come back to Bermuda to help my community with the shortage of medical professionals.

“I am committed to providing quality healthcare to all Bermudians, including those that cannot afford healthcare. I am grateful that BHB has awarded me this scholarship as it will help bring me closer to achieving these goals.”

J’hordan Emery

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

J’hordan says: “My career aspiration to become a surgeon is driven by my profound love for anatomy. This passion was further strengthened during a transformative trip to Kenya, where I had the opportunity to assist surgeons in the operating theatre. The hands-on experience and exposure to different surgical procedures deepened my commitment to this field.

“I am excited to combine my enthusiasm for anatomy with the dynamic and impactful field of surgery.”

Alaiyah Hayward

College/University: University of Manchester, UK

“After graduating from the University of Manchester with my Bachelor of Nursing (honours) in 2025, I am looking to pursue further education and obtain my Bachelor of Medicine (MB ChB) within a discipline in women’s health,” says Alaiyah.

She says her motivation to work in this area came after reading a paper on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health in the UK.

“My passion was reinforced while volunteering abroad as part of my nursing programme in Busua, Ghana, where I spent time in the NICU, maternity and labour ward,” she says.

“I look forward to utilising my knowledge and skills to provide the best patient care possible to the residents of Bermuda.”

Izeyah Wainwright

College/University: Kingston University, UK

Izeyah says: “My career aspirations are centred around constant growth and skill enhancement. Since childhood, I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Not only is it my career aspiration, but it is my passion to help provide holistic care to my patients and be a bright component to their dark times.”

Sarae Botelho

College/University: University of Central Florida, USA

Sarae says: “I have always wanted to pursue a career where I can make an impact by helping others, which is why I have an interest in healthcare. My career aspirations are to complete my Bachelor of Science in nursing and then pursue a master’s degree focusing on neonatal health/women’s health.

“Bermuda’s future is in our hands, and I want to be one of the skilled individuals who makes a difference on the island. Knowing that Bermuda has a shortage of local nurses, and as a young woman who is proud of her heritage, I want to be a part of ensuring that skilful, qualified healthcare talent is something that can be continued and at the same time, give back to my community.”

Tre Outerbridge

College/University: University of East London, UK

Tre says: “As I continue my educational journey at the University of East London, I aim to gain further experience and understanding of the various facets of clinical and sports-related physiotherapy. By gaining experience globally I strive to take the knowledge gained and apply it to benefit the local community of Bermuda.

“My goal is to provide Bermuda with a robust and modern approach to care and rehabilitation, and to help improve Bermuda’s overall health literacy.”

Kyra Butterfield

College/University: Stevenson University, USA

Kyra says: “My career aspirations are centred around becoming a clinical psychologist specialising in children, adolescents and their families. I am passionate about contributing to Bermuda’s mental health landscape by conducting research that advances our understanding of mental health, improves treatment options, and addresses current gaps in mental healthcare.

“My goal is to offer psychological service, focusing on supporting, nurturing the wellbeing and resilience of young people within Bermuda’s community.”

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